Natural light makes for a more comfortable and welcoming atmosphere in any interior space.
For buildings with flat roofs, skylights provide a functional way to bring daylight in.
Whether you’re remodelling a home, revamping an office, or planning a new construction project, selecting the appropriate skylight can be a deciding factor in both looks and performance.
However, selecting the best option can feel overwhelming with so many skylight types available, from fixed and opening models to walk-on rooflights and roof lanterns. Each type comes with unique benefits:: some prioritise thermal insulation while others focus on airflow or architectural appeal.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of skylights for flat roofs and their unique benefits. We’ll also consider key considerations when choosing a skylight, such as glazing, installation, and cost.
Types of skylights for flat roofs
There are several variations on skylights for flat roofs, all offering their respective benefits according to what you need. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a sleek look, improved ventilation, or just more light: being aware of the strengths and limitations of each will help you make the best decision for your home.
Flat roof skylights
Flat roof skylights flood your space with natural light and create a seamless connection with nature. Our features let in twice as much light as vertical windows, meaning they’re guaranteed to open up any room and create a welcoming environment all year round.
Designed to be integrated into contemporary or traditional houses, these skylights transmit excellent natural light with the least amount of glare, making the interior well-lit and comfortable. Their quality glazing makes them better insulated and efficient. Plus, they can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them a long-lasting choice for any flat roof application.
Flat roof skylights are highly customisable, with bespoke sizes and features available to complement your home’s unique style. Plus, they represent fantastic value for money.
With a high performance, stunning design and low cost, flat rooflights continue to be our most popular product.
Fixed skylights
Fixed skylights are another common skylight choice for flat roofs.
As might be expected, fixed skylights don’t open, and their main benefit is to allow extra natural light into a building.
Their closed construction makes them very efficient, leaving gaps or openings that could lead to winter heat loss or summer heat gain.
This aspect of insulation is ideal for rooms such as the living room, bedroom, offices, and for any other room in which natural lighting is desired, but increased airflow is less necessary.
Also, fixed skylights are less costly compared to opening skylights because they lack the complex opening mechanisms necessary for ventilation. With their simpler design, they also require less maintenance, and therefore they are a great long-term investment.
However, as fixed skylights are not opened, they do not provide natural airflow, which can prove to be a hindrance in moist locations such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Without ventilation, condensation may form on the inside surface of the glass and, over time, cause dampness issues. Being fixed shut, they cannot have any use in cooling a room during a heat wave, which could be a consideration when temperature control must be considered in a certain space.
Learn why roof ventilation is important and how to stop condensation on rooflights.
Opening skylights
Opening skylights provide the same natural light benefits as fixed skylights, but offer the added feature of airflow control.
These skylights are manually opened by a crank handle or electronically by remote control, thus making them a cost-effective choice for spaces where there is a requirement for fresh air.
Opening skylights are especially convenient for spaces that experience high humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, as they prevent the accumulation of moisture and improve indoor air quality.
By permitting warm, stale air to leave, opening skylights also help to improve temperature control, keeping rooms cooler in the summer without so much dependence on air conditioning.
Despite these benefits, opening skylights are more expensive than fixed skylights because they have more moving parts and opening mechanisms. If you opt for an electrically operated model, there are fees beyond maintenance and installation, since motors and remote-control systems occasionally require repair or servicing.
Though skylights that open provide ventilation, they do so with additional points for air leakage compared to the fixed model of skylights, which could reduce overall insulation effectiveness somewhat if installed wrong. It’s essential to buy your features from industry experts like Toughened Glass Systems to avoid these costly mistakes.
Learn 12 ways to improve ventilation in a room and the differences between opening and non-opening skylights.
Roof lanterns
Roof lanterns are a design alternative to standard skylights, featuring a multi-paned structure projecting over the level roof.
They may be constructed to allow as much natural light in as is necessary while also serving as an architectural statement.
Roof lanterns are often installed in house extensions, dining areas, and open-plan living rooms where additional daylight can give the room a feeling of more open space.
Due to their raised design, they permit light to enter through various angles, providing even light distribution within the interior.
However, roof lanterns can be more complicated to install than regular flat skylights, as their extra weight and size can require more structural reinforcement.
The process of fitting roof lanterns is slower and more expensive, as precision measurements and quality materials are needed to weatherproof and insulate the area appropriately.
As roof lanterns project over the roofline, they receive more exposure to the elements and can be less efficient in holding heat compared to standard flat skylights. Again, ensuring you purchase quality products from an industry expert can mitigate this.
Although they do add style, they are not always suitable for small houses or properties with extra planning restrictions on roof changes.
View our complete guide to roof lanterns.
Walk-on skylights
Walk-on skylights are a special type of skylight which can take foot traffic, and are perfectly suitable for roof gardens, balconies, and terraces.
The features allow light from above to below while providing space for functional space on the outdoor level.
Their tough reinforced glass makes them durable enough to resist weight and pressure, and are extremely safe and dependable for both residential and commercial installation.
Walk-on skylights provide a clean and flush-fitting look with transitions to surrounding flooring material whether decking, tiles, or concrete.
However, walk-on skylights require reinforced glass panels and are therefore more expensive than conventional skylights.
The supporting structure must also be professionally installed, with the skylight well-fitted and compliant with building codes.
As they contribute to the floor surface, the features require a slip-resistant coating to prevent accidents, especially in wet conditions.
Walk-on skylights are a luxury element that provides aesthetic and functional benefits, but are only worth the investment if you’re looking to utilise your roof space.
Pyramid skylights
Unlike flat skylights, pyramid skylights are designed to capture daylight from various angles throughout the day, which reduces shadows and delivers an even level of brightness in interior spaces.
These skylights are very common in residential homes, commercial buildings, and atriums, offering a fashionable way of allowing natural light in. Their sloping characteristic also allows rainwater to drain, doing away with water pooling and the potential for leaks.
One of the greatest advantages of pyramid skylights is that they provide excellent daylight distribution. Thanks to their multi-panel design and sloping glass, which allows the sun to enter from various angles so that rooms remain well-lit even while the sun moves across the sky throughout the day.
This can be helpful for open-plan or larger rooms that require a consistent source of natural light. Pyramid skylights allow you to attain better efficiency with less consumption of artificial light in the daytime.
Double or triple glazing is also provided by most high-performance units to continue offering insulation that keeps rooms warm in winter and cool in summer.
More rooflight options for a flat roof
- Circular rooflights
- Polycarbonate rooflights
- Dome rooflights
- Smoke vents and access hatch rooflights
Glazing options
Selecting the right glazing for your skylight is crucial, as it directly affects durability, insulation, and security. The type of glass used determines how well the skylight withstands the outside elements and contributes to the overall energy of your space.
Tempered glass is one of the most popular choices because it is highly resistant to impact and extreme weather conditions. This makes it an ideal option for skylights exposed to harsh elements such as heavy rainfall, strong winds, or potential debris.
Another excellent choice is laminated glass, which offers an added layer of safety. If shattered, the interlayer holds the glass together, preventing dangerous shards from falling into the room below. This is particularly useful for areas where safety is a top priority, such as family homes or commercial spaces.
For those prioritising insulation, double or triple-glazing is the best option. These skylights feature multiple layers of glass with air or gas-filled spaces between them, seriously improving thermal performance by lessening heat loss in the winter and preventing heat gain in the summer.
Energy & thermal performance
Energy is a vital factor when choosing a skylight, as it impacts indoor temperature regulation, heating and cooling costs. One of the most important metrics to consider is the U-value, which measures how well a skylight insulates. The lower the U-value, the better the insulation, meaning less heat escapes during winter and less heat enters during summer.
A skylight with a low U-value helps maintain a stable indoor temperature, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. Solar control coatings can further boost energy by lessening glare and blocking harmful UV rays. This not only improves comfort but also protects furniture, flooring, and other interior elements from fading due to prolonged sun exposure.
Our flat roof skylight windows are designed with thermal efficiency in mind, providing insulation while reducing energy consumption.
Investing in a quality, efficient skylight can lead to significant long-term savings and a more environmentally friendly home or commercial space.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about energy and thermal performance.
Ventilation & airflow
If you require improved air circulation in your space, choosing a ventilated skylight is the best option. These skylights can be manually or electrically operated, allowing you to open and close them as needed.
By allowing warm, stale air to escape and fresh air to enter, these skylights help regulate indoor temperature and reduce the buildup of pollutants. For those seeking easier operation, electric ventilated skylights offer convenience, often featuring rain sensors that automatically close the skylight when precipitation is detected.
If ventilation is a priority, consider one of our opening skylight options to improve indoor air circulation while keeping natural light.
View our guide on electric vs manual opening skylights.
Installation & maintenance
Proper installation is key to ensuring the long-term performance of a skylight. A poorly installed skylight can lead to leaks, drafts, and condensation buildup, which can result in costly repairs and inefficiencies.
To avoid these issues, it is highly recommended to hire a professional installer with experience in flat roof skylight installations. Professionals make sure that the skylight is sealed correctly, preventing water infiltration and thermal loss.
Once installed, consistent maintenance is essential to keep the skylight in optimal condition. This includes cleaning the glass, inspecting seals and flashing, and checking for signs of condensation that may indicate a ventilation issue.
Some skylights come with condensation control features, such as built-in ventilation channels or specialised coatings that help minimise moisture buildup.
Making sure your skylight is properly maintained will extend its lifespan and keep it functioning properly. By investing in a quality skylight and following proper installation and maintenance practices, you can enjoy natural light, better ventilation, and energy savings for many years to come.
Why our flat roof skylight windows are the perfect choice
Our flat roof skylight windows are the ideal option for any flat roof, combining the best of modern style, performance, and longevity.
The skylights are adjustable in terms of size, so residents and companies have the option of choosing the right size for their rooms.
If you’re looking to boost the interior lighting or curb value of your home, then these flat roof skylight windows will be right for you.
Contact Toughened Glass Systems today
At Toughened Glass Systems, we supply a range of skylights, rooflights, patio doors and glass products. Our seasoned professionals are poised to help you find the perfect solution for your project.
See for yourself what customers have said about our range of products, and give yourself peace of mind as to what you’re getting.
Reach out to us today for professional advice, a free quote, or to discuss your unique needs.